Ten days after the Accident and Emergency Unit of Federal Medical Centre [FMC], Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State was closed down over a coronavirus [COVID-19] outbreak, the hospital authorities say they have reopened the facilities to the public.

WuzupNigeria reports that the unit was shut on Saturday, 2 May 2020 after COVID-19 outbreak at the centre resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and a police officer.

A nurse and two other patients of the hospital were also reported to have been tested positive of COVID-19.

However, in a statement on Monday, the FMC’s Head of Public Relations and Information, Segun Orisajo, explained that the closure of the unit was to allow thorough decontamination of the Unit.

Orisajo said activities have commenced with immediate effect, adding that some patients were being attended to by the Unit’s health care providers.

According to Orisajo, the Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Musa Olomu was at the facility in the morning to ensure smooth discharge of services to the patients.

He said,

“However unlike before, some new safety measures have been introduced for both the staff and patients.

“These include the institution of an algorithm/ protocol for the unit staff before admitting any patient into the Accident and Emergency unit.

“Similarly, a triaging system has been put in place to identify the level of exposure and suspicion of all patients.”

Orisajo added that -Olomu addressed the staff of the unit and reassured them of Management’s concern for their safety.

Quoting the Medical Director, the statement said:

“I wish to appreciate you and salute your courage as front liners in the care of our patients.

” Let me assure you again that Management is fully aware of the risks of this job and that is why we are decisive in our efforts at ensuring that you’re all protected.

” You will recall that between last week and this morning, we had received two consignments of Personnal Protective Equipment ( PPE) from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

“I have been assured that stock will be replenished before we exhaust the supply.”